TEESSIDE schools affected by a major problem with internet connections are now mostly back on line.

Communications giant BT has worked “round the clock” to fix it and has apologised again for the inconvenience caused.

Schools across Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland and Hartlepool were among those who returned for the new academic year last week and found themselves without an internet connection.

Around 250 schools across 12 local authority areas have been affected by the poor service, which is provided by BT through a contract with procurement agency Northern Grid.

The “majority” now have web access, though connection problems and a slow service have been reported.

Pupils have been unable to access numerous online learning activities which are now planned into the school day, while various administrative procedures have also been affected.

One headteacher, Jane Wilson of Brambles Primary Academy in east Middlesbrough, said they were reconnected yesterday afternoon.

She said she would like to thank Middlesbrough Council’s local education authority for its support and staff at the school for their hard work in “difficult circumstances”.

She added: “Hopefully things will now be returning to normal.”

A spokeswoman for BT said: “BT has been working round the clock over the weekend to improve internet service on the Northern Grid network due to some performance issues being highlighted to us last week.

“The majority of schools and all local authorities are connected and we will work continuously until all schools are provided with a fully reliable service.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused to those Northern Grid customers who have experienced internet service issues.”

The problem has been treated as a “critical priority level 1 issue”.

Northern Grid has ran regular updates on their website where they has apologised and also asked for regular feedback from the schools affected.